8mm Forum: Variable speed vs. fixed speed

This is topic Variable speed vs. fixed speed in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on April 29, 2007, 02:04 AM:

I was wondering which type of speed control various members prefer. Some projectors have a variable rheostat so that the speed can be adjusted between zero and full speed, whilst others, of course, have just the two fixed speeds for silent and sound films. This goes equally for 8mm and 16mm machines.

The 'pro' for variable speed would be for elimination of flicker when transfering to video etc. or for compensating for home movies which may not have been shot at correct speed. The 'con' would be not being absolutely sure of accurate speed setting, and possible shortening of lamp life if run at too slow a speed.

Obviously vice versa for the two fixed speeds scenario.

Any thoughts, anyone?

Posted by Lars Pettersson (Member # 762) on May 05, 2007, 11:47 AM:

Hello David!

I find the possibility to fine-tune the projector speed a great asset, for instance, you do seem to gain a little bit of brightness if a 24 fps film is shown at slightly higher speed, also if there are minor sync problems (sound being a frame early or late in places)in a feature with rerecorded sound, this will be a little less noticeable at 24,5 or 25 fps.
On the other hand, 18 fps or even less is great if the footage is to be scrutinized -lighting tests for instance.
So by all means variable speed, ideally with fixed positions for 18 and 24 fps.

Cheers,
Lars

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